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AI, Agents and the Death of Mundane Work: Tekmetric's COO on the Future of Shop Software [E217]
Episode 217 • 9th April 2026 • Business By The Numbers • Hunt Demarest
00:00:00 00:42:49

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Thanks to our partners Promotive, WickedFile, Maverick Shop Owners, and Overdryve

What does the COO of the most widely adopted shop management software in the industry actually see when she looks at your data? In this episode, Hunt Demarest sits down with Lauren Langston, Chief Operating Officer of Tekmetric, for a candid, numbers-driven conversation about where the auto repair industry stands today — and where it's heading fast.

Lauren brings a rare combination of investment banking, venture capital, and operating experience to one of the most trusted names in shop management software. She breaks down the four metrics that separate high-performing shops from the rest, explains why AI is coming to your dashboard in a very deliberate (and actually useful) way, and shares what private equity buyers look for when they're evaluating your business for acquisition.

If you run a shop and you're serious about your finances, this one is essential listening.

What You'll Learn…

(00:08) From startup to 70% market share: how Tekmetric got here

(04:52) Investment banking to auto repair: how Lauren landed at Tekmetric

(07:01) The trust gap: why auto repair has a customer confidence problem

(09:57) The four results behind every Tekmetric product decision

(12:23) TUG, adoption data, and support tickets: how Tekmetric listens

(18:49) Convenience, insights, and agents: Tekmetric's three-part AI roadmap

(21:19) Why cheaper code doesn't mean custom software

(26:45) PE, consolidation, and the jump from 20 shops to 50

(29:36)150 cars. $550 ARO. The benchmarks — and what top shops do instead

(31:19) Why skipping DVIs puts you in the order-taking business

(34:27) The 80/20 problem: working on the business vs. in it

(36:43)The MSO Suite: the bird's-eye view for multi-location owners

(39:19) Tectonic: Tekmetric's first conference — built for techs and advisors too

If you're ready to stop flying blind on your KPIs, understand what your data is actually telling you, and see exactly where AI is taking shop management software — this episode is essential listening.

Resources Mentioned

Tekmetric — tekmetric.com

Tectonic Conference (April 2025) — Visit Tekmetric's website for registration details

Tekmetric User Group (TUG) — Search "Tekmetric User Group" on Facebook

Thanks to our partner, Promotive

Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit https://gopromotive.com/

Thanks to our partner, WickedFile

Turn chaos into clarity with WickedFile, the AI for auto repair shops. Transform invoices into insights, protect cash flow, and stop losing parts, cores, or credits to maximize your bottom line. visit https://info.wickedfile.com/

Thanks to our partner, Maverick Shop Owners

You're working on growing a more profitable shop - that's critical. That's exactly what the 24-video Blueprint course by Maverick Shop Owners addresses - customers, sales, profit, people, systems, and freedom. Get free access for our listeners only at https://maverickshopowners.com/blueprint

Thanks to our partner, Overdryve

Overdryve is your AI-powered marketing operating system. It predicts slow weeks before they happen, automatically launches revenue-driving campaigns, tracks ROI down to the dollar, and optimizes performance in real time. Visit https://overdryvemarketing.com/Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair

Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com

Email Hunt: podcast@paarmelis.com

Text Paar Melis @ 301-307-5413

Download a Copy of My Books Here:

The Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life.

The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching.

Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size.

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.

The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level.

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